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Los Angeles- When he arrived in the United States, Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei wanted to talk about football.
Iran’s first press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday, FIFA officials warned the media to follow sports and technology while talking to Ghalenoei and striker Mehdi Taremi.
But there was no escaping the seemingly political elephant in the room – from the refusal of visas to the expected protests and obstacles placed on the way Team Melli arrived in the country for their World Cup match while crossing the border into Mexico.
So, Ghalenoei did not return.
He said the American organization that hosted the tournament, including the refusal to host the team’s camp during the games, caused problems for Iran.
“Such behavior has destroyed the spirit of football,” Ghalenoei told reporters. “Whether we win or lose, this is tough.”
Taremi confirmed this assessment, pointing out that the US travel restrictions will take away the excitement that the World Cup always brings.
The former Inter Milan striker cited the denial of entry by Somali referee Omar Artan, stressing that it was not only Iran who faced American players.
“We don’t have that beautiful experience that we always talk about – the peace, the joy,” Taremi said.
“The mentality that people expect from the World Cup, I think this time, maybe they didn’t have the same… This kind of tension, it reduces that joy.
Iran was one of the first teams to seal World Cup qualification, finishing top of their group with just one loss and two draws in 10 Asian qualifiers.
They have done this in the lead up to this tournament, and have won several recent games.
Although Team Melli is a red-hot form, Iran’s participation was questioned earlier this year after the US and Israel attacked the country, and Tehran responded by launching attacks on Israel and the US military in the Middle East.
Iran’s group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt will be held on the US West Coast.
In March, US President Donald Trump announced that Team Melli was not welcome in the US and said their security would be at risk.
“The Iranian soccer team is welcome at the World Cup, but I don’t believe it should be there, for their health and safety,” Trump said at the time.
Iranian officials had previously questioned the team’s participation.
After that, it was agreed that Iran would participate in the tournament, but to train in Mexico, only to come to the US to play.
Ghalenoei confirmed the trip, saying that Team Melli will return to Mexico after the game on Monday.
The group is also facing the problem of protests organized by the Iranian opposition in Los Angeles.
Both Ghalenoei and Taremi confirmed that they are at the World Cup to represent all Iranian people, at home and abroad.
“I want to say that we respect all Iranians, whether Iranians inside the country or abroad. We have come to play football, and football always unites all groups,” said Taremi.
Ghalenoei also emphasized the ability of football to bring unity.
“I am very happy to represent the strong and proud country of Iran,” he said.
“I believe that football will bring happiness and joy and will bring cultures and countries closer, and I believe that the World Cup will go well despite the difficulties we faced in the journey.”
At the much-anticipated press conference that began with a warning to only talk about football, few strategies were discussed.
“Nobody asked questions about football,” Taremi said in his closing remarks. “We have a lot of respect for New Zealand, and we hope it will be a good game.”
